High blood cholesterol levels are a concern for many people who are trying to improve their health. If your cholesterol levels are high, it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other potentially serious health problems. Fortunately, there are several ways to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing these serious health issues.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to lowering your blood cholesterol levels. We will discuss lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medical treatments that can help reduce your cholesterol levels. With the right approach, you can lower your cholesterol levels and protect your health.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones and other substances. But too much cholesterol can lead to buildup in your arteries (blood vessels). This buildup narrows the arteries over time and makes it more difficult for blood to flow through them — which can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke.
The Dangers of High Cholesterol Levels
Many factors influence cholesterol levels, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and other serious health problems. In fact, according to the CDC, someone with blood cholesterol levels of 220 mg/dL or higher is at an increased risk for developing heart disease.
High cholesterol levels are also associated with a greater risk of death due to cardiovascular disease. For example, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), people with blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher have a two-fold increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. In addition, people with elevated blood cholesterol levels are also more likely to experience a stroke than those with lower cholesterol levels. Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States and causes devastating injury or death in nearly 800,000 Americans yearly.
Thus, it’s abundantly clear that high cholesterol levels pose serious risks to your long-term health and life expectancy. If you have high blood cholesterol levels – even if they don’t yet qualify you as having “high cholesterol” – it’s essential that you take steps to address them through regular exercise and a healthy diet.
How to Lower Your Blood Cholesterol Levels
The following are ways to help you lower your blood cholesterol levels:
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can be difficult, but it is essential for lowering your blood cholesterol levels. Follow the recommendations below to help you make the necessary changes to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease.
A. Diet
1. Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables
2. Increase consumption of lean proteins
3. Limit consumption of saturated and trans fats
4. Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids
B. Exercise
1. Increase physical activity to 30 minutes per day, five days per week
2. Avoid sedentary activities
3. Increase cardiovascular activity
C. Stress Management
1. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
2. Take regular breaks from work
3. Engage in hobbies that reduce stress
Medications
One of the best ways you can do to lower your blood cholesterol levels is through the use of medications. These can be prescribed by your physician and can include statins, nicotinic acid, and bile acid sequestrants.
1. Statins
Statins are drugs designed to inhibit the liver’s production of cholesterol, which in turn lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Statins effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels and are often prescribed along with lifestyle changes to maximize their effects.
2. Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acid is another type of cholesterol-lowering medication. It is known to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while also raising HDL cholesterol levels. It can be taken in either pill form or as an injection.
3. Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bile acid sequestrants are drugs that bind to bile acids in the intestine, which prevents their reabsorption into the bloodstream. This lessens the amount of cholesterol circulating in the body, which in turn lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Bile acid sequestrants are often prescribed in conjunction with statins to maximize their cholesterol-lowering effects.
Your physician can recommend the best medication for you, depending on your cholesterol levels and other factors. When taking this or any other medicine, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the medication as prescribed. Bile acid sequestrants may cause side effects such as constipation and bloating, so it’s important to speak with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
How taking care of your health impacts your health insurance
Taking care of your health can impact your health insurance in several ways. For example:
● If you suffer from a chronic health condition that you manage effectively through regular medical care and lifestyle changes, you may be able to avoid or minimize complications from that condition. This can help you maintain good health and lower your healthcare costs.
● If you have good health habits, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, you may be less likely to develop certain health conditions that could require expensive medical treatment. This can also help you avoid high healthcare costs.
● Some health insurance plans offer discounts or incentives for policyholders who engage in healthy behaviors, such as not smoking or participating in wellness programs. By taking care of your health, you can take advantage of these discounts and save money on your health insurance premiums.
Overall, taking care of your health is vital for maintaining good health and potentially reducing your healthcare costs, which can be especially important if you have health insurance.
Final Thoughts
Lowering your blood cholesterol levels is not only beneficial for your health but it can be done easily with a few lifestyle changes. Eating a well-balanced diet, being physically active, and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking can help lower your cholesterol levels. Additionally, you may want to consider medications or supplements to help you reach your cholesterol goals. By taking these steps and making small changes over time, you will be well on your way to a healthier and happier you.
For questions regarding group health insurance and quotes, call Insurance Enterprise at 888-350-6605 or email us at benefits@insuranceenterpriseusa.com and talk to a licensed agent. Discover how to get an affordable health insurance plan today.